JAMES ROBERTSON
AT&T
Alexandria,VA
22
years of professional experience
Strategic government affairs executive skilled in developing and executing federal legislative strategies that align with enterprise priorities. Expertise in telecommunications, spectrum policy, and public safety, with successful navigation of Congress and federal agencies. As Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs, leads advocacy efforts and directs high-profile legislative priorities. Collaborative leader adept at building bipartisan relationships and influencing policy outcomes in dynamic political landscapes.
Work History
Assistant Vice President, Federal Relations
4 Years 11 Months- Trusted advisor helping lead federal legislative strategy for one of the nation’s largest telecommunications companies, serving as the company’s principal advocate before the House Energy & Commerce Committee.
- Brief senior executives and leadership on congressional developments, political dynamics, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities affecting AT&T’s business.
- Directed the company’s congressional strategy for the reauthorization of FirstNet, one of AT&T’s most significant federal legislative priorities, coordinating efforts across government affairs, public affairs, legal, business units, external partners, and industry stakeholders to build support and advance legislation.
- Help develop and execute federal policy strategies supporting the company’s long-term network investment and growth objectives, including measurable achievements in federal laws.
- Represent AT&T before Members of Congress, congressional staff, trade associations, coalitions, and external stakeholders on complex telecommunications policy issues.
- Serve as a recognized subject matter expert on telecommunications and public policy issues, participating in industry panels and executive-level policy discussions.
Director, Government Affairs
5 Years 11 Months- Developed and successfully executed the Association’s advocacy agenda by drafting legislation, amendments, one-pagers, talking points, letters, statements, and hearing questions.
- Educated U.S. Senators and Representatives on policy priorities of the U.S. wireless industry including spectrum, infrastructure, transportation, privacy, cybersecurity, and taxes.
- Collaborated with member companies and Congressional aides to gather real-time political and policy intelligence on industry-wide issues.
- Built coalitions with aligned industries to advance telecommunications objectives and mitigate harmful legislation while reversing burdensome regulatory requirements.
- Managed Republican consultants and organized weekly assignment conference calls.
- Leveraged Association resources to expand advocacy footprint by fostering relationships between congressional staff and member company government relations representatives.
- Represented the Association at high-level external events.
- Strategized and prioritized PAC budget.
Staff Director, Transportation and Public Assets Subcommittee
5 Years 5 Months- Directed, shaped, and oversaw all matters within the Subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including transportation and infrastructure generally, transportation security, emergency management, and housing.
- Developed strategy, messaging, and agenda for full and Subcommittee Chairmen in collaboration with senior staff to align priorities and objectives.
- Negotiated with federal departments, congressional committees, and industry leaders to advance public policy initiatives and drive impactful changes.
- Led Subcommittee staff management to enhance team productivity.
Senior Professional Staff Member
5 Years 5 Months- Oversaw policy development for Committee’s legislative and oversight authority over District of Columbia and federal workforce issues.
- Oversaw Committee and House floor action of numerous bills, and successfully enacted eight bills into law, including increasing federal employee whistleblower protections (P.L. 112-199), and promoting economic development in the Southwest waterfront of Washington D.C. (P.L. 112-143).
- Developed hearings, drafted legislation and amendments, and advised Committee members and staff on legislative, oversight, and investigative matters, including federal security clearance policy and data breaches.
- Prepared Committee and House floor speeches, as well as background memos, detailed oversight letters, Committee reports, questions, and talking points for hearings and markups.
Senior Legislative Assistant
2 Years 10 Months- Oversaw legislative agenda for leading Republican on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, facilitating conference report to Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (Public Law 110-314) and addressing privacy, interstate commerce, sports, and chemical safety policy.
- Successfully added language for the research and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for active duty service members in FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 111-84).
- Directed legislative portfolio for Congressman on issues within jurisdiction of House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Veterans Affairs, Judiciary, Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Budget, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Coordinated top level national and international projects between relevant legislative and executive representatives and foreign officials for the co-Chair of the Congressional Turkey Caucus.
- Handled appropriations for defense-related areas, and secured nearly $20 million for the District.
Legislative Assistant/Deputy Communications Director
6 Months- Directed the Congressman’s legislative portfolio on issues under the jurisdiction of the House Committees on Homeland Security, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Science.
- Advised Congressman and staff on legislative and messaging strategies to enhance alignment with policy objectives and public engagement.
- Managed media relations and responded to high volume of deadline-driven press inquiries to maintain positive media coverage and public awareness.
- Managed media relations and a large volume of deadline driven press inquiries.
Legislative Assistant/Press Assistant
2 Years 3 Months- Monitored and tracked legislative issues for House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Government Reform and Resources; briefed Congressman on key developments to inform decision-making.
- Drafted and edited speeches, legislation, press releases, talking points, congressional briefings, editorials, and correspondence, ensuring clear communication with constituents, federal agencies, and international organizations.
- Researched legislative issues to support policymaking and constituent inquiries.
- Drafted correspondence and reports for review by senior staff and constituents.
- Assisted in organizing events and meetings, ensuring effective communication with stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Skills
Legislative Strategy & Execution
Telecommunications & Technology Policy
Congressional Relations & Public Policy
Decision Making & Judgment
Federal Policy Development
Political Risk Assessment
Strategic Communications
Telecommunications Advocacy
Outcome-oriented Leadership
Timeline
Assistant Vice President, Federal Relations
AT&T
09.2021 - CurrentRead More
Director, Government Affairs
CTIA
10.2015 - 09.2021Read More
Staff Director, Transportation and Public Assets Subcommittee
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee
05.2010 - 10.2015Read More
Senior Professional Staff Member
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee
05.2010 - 10.2015Read More
Senior Legislative Assistant
United States Rep. Ed Whitfield
07.2007 - 05.2010Read More
Legislative Assistant/Deputy Communications Director
United States Rep. Gus Bilirakis
01.2007 - 07.2007Read More
Legislative Assistant/Press Assistant
United States Rep. Michael Bilirakis
10.2004 - 01.2007Read More
The George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts from Political Science
Read More